Being thankful goes further than prompting your child to say thank you when the cashier hands them a sticker. I think being thankful is appreciating beauty on a rainy day. It’s thanking God for your day even if it was a rough one. Family prayer and simply talking out loud when those things come to your heart are essential to show our children to see these points of thanks. Some children, just like some adults, will do this more easily than others. As parents, creating a habit of saying these things out loud is very important. The word thankful is defined as “ pleased and relieved” as well as “expressing gratitude and relief’. That relief is straight from God. It’s a relief to know he has it under control. Share that relief with your children. Recently my dear friend’s daughter was very nervous about her first trip to the eye doctor. Mister and I teach this sweet girl, along with 3 other 4 and 5 year olds, at our church’s weekly Bible Club. One week we prayed for her to be brave and for eyes to be healthy. The following week she shared with us that she had a great visit, was brave and that the drops only hurt a little bit. We were all so excited and relieved for her! I was able to bring it right back to prayer and we discussed how God heard that prayer and made her brave to go through the eye exam. The smile on her face as we discussed the thanks to God was that of relief and joy in our Lord.
I am thankful for many things, here are just a few:
My Husband and Children-
Mister and I celebrated 14 years of marriage earlier this week. He is my best friend, my support system and an amazing father. My boys have taught me more than I ever thought possible in life. I cant imagine not being a mom and sharing life with my four tiny gentlemen and my husband.
Our Home-
less than a year ago our home was still in process. The process of selling our old home, moving and building this one was a long one but is now showing us the reasons, we did it all were worth it. Our home is starting to really take shape, even the basement!
Living in Maine-
this is a special place to live and raise a family. Many students graduate and can’t wait to leave. They leave and then the come back a few years later. There is a reason for that…. It’s a great place to live. Economics will tell us things are changing in Maine as far as the population goes. I think those people leaving will be back in the future. We have a different way of life here and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
The Ability To Pray-
No matter the answer God gives to your prayer you can still feel and appreciate an assurance that he’s listening and he’ll take care of whatever you are praying for. The hymn “Blessed Assurance” is one of my favorites.
Joy In The Kitchen-
If you’ve read my blog very long you know I don’t take my job of feeding my family lightly. I am very grateful that I truly enjoy cooking because feeding four boys on a budget is not something that can be done unless it is enjoyed. I want to create memories of foods as well as preparing food together with my boys. I love how we planned our home layout so we can all be together as some of us are in the kitchen either prepping or eating. My boys are becoming more eager to help in the kitchen and I am blessed by that time together.
Sleep-
I literally thank God for a good night sleep any time I get one. It’s happening slightly more often these days but I don’t go to bed holding my breath for sleep. In years past I was so sleep deprived, I had to work on not being resentful to my children. I was just so tired I honestly wasn’t in my right mind. I never wanted to wish away the days when my boys were infants and still feel that way. I’m not asking for 9 hours and sleeping till 9. Honestly, I’d take 7 straight hours every few days right now.
Today, I’m going to go enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes and my grandmothers stuffing. I hope have a day surrounded by friends and family. I am very thankful for you, my readers. Thank you!
